The Cursed Forest Where I Was Exiled Had Somehow Been Designated As A Sanctuary. - Awakened to the Purification skill, I, Surrounded By Divine Dragons And Great Spirits, Become The King of A Nation - Episode 14

“Whoa, 《Cleaning》《Cleaning》《Cleaning》《Cleaning》《Cleaning》《Cleaning》！！！！”

As the full-scale development of the village begins in preparation for the dwarves’ migration, their work clothes, now covered in mud and sweat, are being brought under Zess’s command.

As the number of people increased day by day, the laundry also increased accordingly.

Especially some of the dwarves, who continue to dig day and night for ore extraction, find that dirt tougher than any they encountered in their previous lives.

The area where I used to stay near the large tree now looked completely like a dry cleaner’s.

“Looks fun.”

Zess, with an ecstatic expression, tirelessly applies “cleaning” to the laundry being brought in.

Yggdrasil, who had been sitting on the branches above and observing the scene, succinctly commented.

“Of course, there’s nothing better than seeing something dirty become clean! …But still, I can’t believe I didn’t realize such a simple thing.”

As he watched the dwarf’s back leaving after receiving the freshly cleaned work clothes, Zess thought.

“『Laundry doesn’t get done when no one’s around』… A perfect haiku.”

With a suspicious smile, Zess muttered, “You’re really in a good mood,” with a mix of exasperation, as Yggdrasil lightly descended in front of him.

And then, she spun around in front of Zess and looked at him with eyes full of expectation.

“How is it?”

“Hmm, … ah, clothes! What happened to those clothes?”

Zess was momentarily puzzled when stared at by the jade-colored eyes, but soon figured out the reason.

Ever since she met him, Yggdrasil had been wearing Zess’s jacket as her clothes.

But now it’s different.

The sleeveless dress in a pale green hue accentuates her fair skin and is very lovely.

Her long, wavy green hair drapes over her slender shoulders like ivy, and although it may be a preconceived notion, it also exudes a sacred aura akin to that of a great tree.

“I received it from the dwarves.”

“Oh, right. Speaking of which, there are dwarves who are skilled at making clothes, aren’t there?”

Dwarves are often thought to specialize in blacksmithing, but they fully demonstrate their talents in all aspects of craftsmanship, including house building and farming.

“…How is it?”

Looking down at Zess, who was sitting cross-legged on the ground washing clothes, Yggdrasil asked again.

Zess carefully observed her attire and nodded slowly.

“Any clothes, with my ‘cleaning,’ I can make them spotless. Don’t worry.”

“……!”

“Ouch!”

The branch extending from the great tree snaps against Zess’s head as he gives a thumbs up.

Zess, holding his head, turned around, but by that time, the branch had already returned to its original place.

Yggdrasil gazes at Zess, who is puzzled, with a cold stare.

“Ouch, what was that just now…?”

Rubbing his head, Zess turned back to Yggdrasil and muttered, “Even so.”

“Did you have that outfit made new for you?”

“No, they just picked something for me. Why?”

“Yeah, it really suits Yggdrasil.”

“I see.”

“Hmm, oh?”

The branches of the great tree stretch out again, gently stroking Zess’s head.

Accepting it without being able to do anything, Zess suddenly remembered.

“If you got some clothes, it’s about time you returned my jacket.”

“Impossible”

“Why?!”

To the rushing Zess, Yggdrasil pointed above.

When I looked up and followed the tip of my finger, I saw Zess’s coat fluttering at the end of the branches and leaves of the massive tree that stretched out to cover the sky.

“Because I’m decorating it.”

“Why not?!”

◆　◆　◆

In the open field beside the large tree, the framework of the house had already begun to take shape.

Nearby, wells have also been dug, and the necessary facilities for the village are gradually being put in place.

The lively shouts of the dwarves and the sound of them striking the wood echo, creating a truly lively atmosphere.

“Ah, Lord Zess! Thank you for your hard work!”

“The clothes are clean, thanks to you! I can work comfortably!”

Just by walking around the village, the dwarves who noticed Zess bow their heads.

Zess replied with an ambiguous smile, saying “I’m glad,” and quickly walked away.

Behind him, the dwarves were saying things like, “Wow, Lord Zess is really a generous person. Cleaning our clothes like this…”

“Zess-sama, but…”

“Don’t tease me… Even if I tell you to stop, you won’t listen.”

While giving a sidelong glare at Yggdrasil, who was covering his mouth and muttering with an amused expression, Zess shrugged his shoulders.

Because the elder dwarves address him with honorifics, it has completely caught on among the younger ones as well.

“It can’t be helped. I’ve been chosen as the ‘Scepter of Divine Authority.'”

“Ouho…?”

For the time being, recalling the divine relic stored within the great tree, Zess felt disheartened.

According to Yggdrasil story, the “Scepter of Divine Authority” is said to be the highest-ranking divine relic among those the gods brought to the mortal realm when they departed from the earth.

And that power allows the holder of the royal scepter to view the places they govern from a divine perspective.

Zess, after receiving the explanation, didn’t quite get it, but decided to give it a try anyway.

However, the “Scepter of Divine Authority” did not respond at all.

According to Yggdrasil, “It’s because Zess lacks the will to govern.”

“The will to rule, huh? Then why did you choose me? I don’t have that kind of will.”

As Zess mutters complaints while walking through the village, Yggdrasil responds calmly.

“Even divine relics have a will. The royal scepter chose Zess as worthy. That’s all there is to it.”

“What does it mean to be suitable?”

To the king

Peering into Yggdrasil’s face at his joking remark.

However, she had a very serious expression on her face.

To the blinking Zess, Yggdrasil gave a faint smile.

“But Zess doesn’t feel like an important person. A crown or something… heh, it doesn’t seem to suit him.”

“I’ve been saying that from the beginning. Tch.”

While feeling annoyed at Yggdrasil, who was laughing to himself, Zess headed towards the newly built dwarf workshop nearby.